Olds 455 Gbody swap

[tommytpk]

Hi all,
Got the rebuilt 455 with mild cam bolted to the TH400 and installed in my Cutlass this weekend.
Looking at it now, that was just the tip of the iceberg! I have a box full of 455 and another of 307 accessories and brackets to figure out.
Also, with the Quadrajet and Edelbrock intake, what do I use for accelerator bracketry? I have essentially nothing. Same for th400 shift bracketry, I have a column shifter and want to keep it, just have to figure out what parts to source. Any information from those who have been there would be greatly appreciated!

Tom

 

[bracketchev1221]

That seems to be the hardest part with any of these swaps. I am looking to put a 454 in a malibu and trying to collect parts from a 70-72 for brackets and stuff.

 

[pagrunt]

That seems to be the hardest part with any of these swaps. I am looking to put a 454 in a malibu and trying to collect parts from a 70-72 for brackets and stuff.

Might be more of a challenge but thought about '73-'76 A body for everything? Even '71-'76 B's, most likely wagons. But most newer trucks should be able to help.

 

[Tuffregal83]

If you went with Edelbrock heads on that 455 you're definitely going to run into problems with the brackets and pulleys

 

[tommytpk]

If you went with Edelbrock heads on that 455 you're definitely going to run into problems with the brackets and pulleys

Nope, rebuilt "C" heads.

 

[random_farmhick]

When I had a 455 in my elcamino, it came from a 73 olds 98 iirc. I used all the stock accessory brackets, except used my factory alternator, and the power steering pump I switched the back fitting so it had the correct oring fitting. I also switched the shifter bracket off of the turbo 350 I had in there before to the turbo 400 and my shifter worked perfectly.

 

[olds307 and 403]

The A/C brackets off your 307 will not fit the 455, due to deck height. You need to match the water pump length with the correct pulleys. Unfortunately, you can't just run the alternator and power steering off the 307 Vin Y without the A/C. You can mix and match pulleys and water pumps with creativity and washers to space out accessories fo belts to line up. The non A/C brackets and a 5.6" water pump is the easiest swap. The 307 throttle cable bracket should work fine.

 

[tommytpk]

Couple other questions:
What do those who have done this swap recommend for a starter, and a radiator? I am going fan/clutch, no electric fans for me.
Thank you!
Tom

 

[olds307 and 403]

Either the factory heavy duty or an aftermarket mini starter. The Powermaster and Ebay generic starters have been good. The Summit one has a very finicky power connection, overnighter the connection and it is toast. If you don't mind trimming the core a bit, designed for the earlier A body, get this rad, easily cools my 403. Also use a 6 or 7 blade clutch fan in place of the 307 5 blade.

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[Ugly1]

When I did the ‘75 455 in my Olds I used the stock starter. No headers though , and a 1000cca battery. Have the heat shield on it too.and like you just a stock a/c style fan clutch.